Wuzhen

Wuzhen is the jewel of the water towns south of the Yangtze River. The town is divided into two main areas: Dongzha (East Zone) and Xizha (West Zone). While Dongzha retains its original, rustic charm, Xizha has been meticulously restored and now gives a well-suited blend of historic architecture and modern comfort. Visitors come to admire the arched stone bridges and glide through the narrow waterways in traditional boats. Culturally, Wuzhen has fascinating insights into old crafts. It is particularly famous for its indigo dye workshop, where you can watch long strips of blue-printed fabric drying outdoors. The Museum of Ancient Beds and the Woodcarving Museum are also highlights. In the evening, Xizha transforms into a glowing waterscape, first-rate for romantic strolls. The town also hosts the World Internet Conference and a renowned theater festival. The gastronomy in Wuzhen is defined by 'Wuzhen Lamb,' which is slow-braised, and sweet glutinous rice cakes. The town is easily accessible from Hangzhou or Shanghai by bus or train. The best time to visit is spring, when a light mist often hangs over the canals, or autumn for its clear skies. Wuzhen embodies the timeless elegance of ancient China along its waterways.

Nearby cities

Wuxi

An ancient city in Jiangsu province, situated on the banks of Lake Tai.

Changzhou

A historic city in Jiangsu province, famous for its textile industry and the Grand Canal.

Huai'an

A city in Jiangsu province, the birthplace of the first Premier of the People's Republic of China, Zhou Enlai.

Chongchuan

Chongchuan is the historical and cultural heart of Nantong, located where the Yangtze River meets the East China Sea.

Anji

A peaceful ecological county famous for its vast bamboo seas and high-quality white tea.

Lianyun

Lianyun is the maritime gateway of Lianyungang, famous for its major seaport and beautiful sandy coastlines.

Mount Lu

Mount Lu offers majestic peaks, cascading waterfalls, and historic colonial-era villas nestled in a cool, misty climate.

History & landmarks

Suzhou

Suzhou is called the Venice of the East for its exquisite classical gardens, picturesque waterways, and silk production.

Zhouzhuang

Often called the 'Venice of the East,' this is China's oldest and most famous water town, with over a thousand years of history.

Xitang

A captivating ancient water town in Zhejiang province, characterized by its covered corridors, stone bridges, and serene canals.

Tunxi & Hongcun

Picturesque ancient villages preserving striking Hui-style architecture and serene water landscapes.

Wuyuan

Known as one of the most beautiful countrysides in China, featuring ancient Hui-style villages surrounded by stunning terraced fields.

More places

Slender West Lake Park

A scenic park in Yangzhou, known for its beautiful gardens, historic structures, and the long, narrow lake resembling a brushstroke.

TSMC Fab Nanjing

A state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication plant (fab) by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in Nanjing, producing advanced chips.

Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

A memorial to commemorate those who were killed in the 1937 Nanjing Massacre by the Imperial Japanese Army.